Two majestic goals by Frank Worthington inspired Blues to victory over European champions Nottingham Forest.

Blues, back in the top flight under Jim Smith, went ahead when Worthington directed a ball that was headed on by Keith Bertschin past Peter Shilton in the fourth minute.

The second goal, in the 61st minute, came from a Kevin Dillon pass. Worthington raced to the left of the penalty area, pirouetted away from a lunging challenge, and curled his shot beyond Shilton into the far corner of the net for the 11th of his 18 goals that season.

Smith gave Phil Hawker his Blues debut, calling the 18-year-old back from Lilleshall training with the England youth squad.

Key men

It’s not just the goals that have made Jesse Lingard a key Blues performer.

It’s his all-round attacking play and assists, too.

Lingard is a difficult player to pin down in the attacking third.

His movement and intelligence, particularly playing off Nikola Zigic, is a big factor in Blues’ forward forays.

Lee Clark has used Lingard in the middle of the three just behind Zigic, or coming in from the left.

Lingard has scored six times – including that incredible debut four-goal salvo – since his loan from Manchester United. And it is no wonder Clark wants to secure him for the remainder of the season.

For Nottingham Forest, Simon Cox is a striker to be wary of.

The ex-Albion man has scored four goals in his last six appearances.

And Blues will not forget in a hurry his brilliant Dennis Bergkamp-esque goal at the City Ground last season that sparked a fightback from 2-0 down to 2-2.

Forest are keen to recruit a top-notch striker in January, but Cox is carrying the load well.

The form books

WHO’S HOT: Darren Randolph (above) was in magnificent form at Bournemouth, enhancing his reputation as one of the best goalkeepers outside the top flight.

WHO’S NOT: Not so much luck for Lee Novak, who was in the best nick of his Blues career so far before suffering a knee injury.